I have spent the last decade working tirelessly in various construction trades, building homes, fixing infrastructure, and contributing to communities, yet I find myself with nothing to show for it. The cost of living continues to rise while wages remain stagnant, leaving many of us trapped in a cycle of uncertainty and financial strain. This predicament is not unique to me; it affects countless hard-working individuals who find themselves unable to get ahead, primarily due to the crushing weight of debt fueled by usury.

Usury, defined as lending money with interest, is often depicted as beneficent when kept within "reasonable" bounds. However, the reality is that any interest-based lending exploits the financial vulnerabilities of individuals and communities. The pervasive impact of usury is felt in the inflated prices of housing, education, and healthcare, turning essential needs into commodities that are increasingly out of reach for the average person.

According to the Federal Reserve, American household debt hit a record-high of $15.24 trillion in recent years, with people paying exorbitant amounts just to make minimum payments that barely reduce their principal. This debt-driven stress is not just an issue of financial mathematics; it manifests in mental health issues and impedes social mobility.

Usury has been a critical driver of inflation, exacerbating economic disparities and widening the gap between the wealthy and the underprivileged. It's time to halt this exploitative system and explore alternative financial models that prioritize people over profits. For instance, interest-free lending could be a viable model, encouraging fairness and equity in financial transactions.

We urge lawmakers to outlaw usury in all its forms. Let us work towards a future that fosters economic fairness and liberates individuals from the shackles of debt-induced poverty. Join me in this fight for economic justice. Sign this petition to demand a change in our financial laws to end usury once and for all.